Security closure for cam and groove hose coupling

ABSTRACT

A security closure system for terminating the hose-connector connected to the outlet of a storage tank whose contents are to be periodically pumped out. A first male-outlet component is provided with an outer, circumferential annual groove for reception therein of camming elements of camming arms, and has a terminal projecting tongue provided with an opening or hole for receiving a locking device, such as a padlock. The male-component is further provided with an enlarged mounting flange for mounting the male-component to a wall of the storage tank or to a bulkhead adjacent the storage tank. The security closure system also comprises a second female part, which is a female closure cap that matingly receives therein the first male-component. The closure cap has a slot for passing therethrough the tongue of the first male-component, whereby a padlock or other lock may be used for locking the cap in place over the first male-component. The closure cap is also provided with a pair of parallel, upstanding partitions or walls sandwiching therebetween the projecting tongue of the first male-component protruding through the slot of the closure cap. These partitions project a sufficient height above, and extend a sufficient length along, the protruding tongue so as to prevent access thereto and to the locking device inserted through the opening of the tongue, whereby access thereto is denied and the tampering thereof via saws, and the like, is prevented. Additional pins or rods are provided for additional tamper-proof resistance to cutting.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/545,988, filedon Aug. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,829.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a secure-closure cap for acam-and-groove hose coupling. Cam-and-groove hose couplings are usedubiquitously in many environments and areas for safely coupling togetherthe ends of hoses and other connectors. A typical cam-and-groovecoupling consists of an outer annular groove in the outer circumferenceof a male end of a first hose-connector, and a pair ofdiametrically-opposed, pivotal camming arms mounted by a female end of asecond hose-connector. Each camming arm has a cam-element at a free,cantilevered end thereof which cooperates and extends into the interiorof the female end of the second hose-connector. The cam-elements arereceivable in the outer circumferential annular groove of the male endof the first hose connector when the male end is inserted into thefemale end when the two ends are coupled together. By rotating thecamming arms in a first direction, the cam-elements are inserted in theannular groove of the inserted male end to couple the male and femaleends together. By rotating the camming arms in the opposite direction,the cam-elements are removed from the annular groove to thus release thecoupling. The female end is usually provided with a securing mechanismfor ensuring the camming arms do not accidentally rotate and remove thecam-elements from engagement in the annular groove of the inserted maleend. Examples of such conventional cam-and-groove hose couplers areshown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,523,963; 6,447,016; 6,164,708; 5,988,693; and5,462,316.

A cam-and-groove coupling is, also, commonly used to connect an outletcomponent of a storage tank to a connector of a tank of a transporttruck for the periodic pumping of the contents of the storage tank tothe tank of the truck. The storage tanks typically may store any liquid,such as gasoline, alcohol, used liquefied fats and deep-fryer oil, suchas those found in storage tanks at restaurants, and the like. In orderto pump contents from the storage tank to the truck-tank, ahose-connector extends from the outlet of the storage tank and isterminated with a male end having an outer circumferential annulargroove. This male end is receivable in a female end of a hose connectorassociated with a transport truck's tank, when contents of the storagetank are to be pumped to the tank of the transport truck. This femaleend is provided with the above-described, rotating camming arms havingdistal cam-elements for reception in the annular groove of the male endin order to securely connect the male and female ends together duringthe pumping process, to ensure that they do not become disconnected.After the pumping of contents has been completed, the two ends arereleased, leaving the male end of the hose connector associated with thestorage tank exposed. It is conventional practice to close off the maleend of the hose connector associated with the storage tank via a metalor plastic closure cap. Such closure caps typically resemble the femaleend of the hose connector of the transport truck's tank in that it ishas a female component that receives the male end of the hose connectorassociated with the storage tank, and is similarly provided with cammingarms with distal camming elements for reception in the annular groove ofthe male end of the hose connector associated with the storage tank. Themale end has a closed end forming a closure cap, or dust cap, so thatforeign matter is prevented from entering into the storage tank.

A problem exists with these prior-art closure caps in that they are nottamper-proof. It is a considerable problem in all industries that usestorage tanks for storing fluid contents that are periodically pumpedout to a transport tank, train car, or the like, that these cammingarms, no matter how well protected from being accessed, are prone toattack by the use of bolt cutters, saws and other such devices, thusallowing ready access to and theft of the contents of the storage tank.Examples of closure caps for closing off the male end of the hoseconnector associated with the storage tank are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,462,316; 4,295,670, and 4,245,751.

FIG. 1 shows a conventional, prior-art closure cap device for amale-component outlet coupler 10 of a storage tank. The male coupler 10consists of a male coupler proper 12 having an outer, annular groove12′, and an enlarged mounting flange 14 integrally connected to one endof the male coupler 12. The mounting flange 14 is affixed to a wall of astorage tank whose fluid contents are to be pumped out, or to a bulkheadassociated with the storage tank, thus providing an outlet by means ofwhich the fluid my be dispensed to a tanker truck, or the like. The malecoupler is closed off, when not in use, by a female closure cap device16 consisting of a female main housing or receptacle portion 16′ whichtelescopingly receives therein the male component or coupler proper 12for closing of the male coupler during nonuse. To ensure the male andfemale components do not accidentally come apart, a pair ofdiametrically-opposed camming arms 18 is provided, each having a distalcamming member 18′ receivable in locking engagement within the annulargroove 12′ of the male coupler 12. Rotation of the arms 18 in a firstdirection locks the camming members 18′ in the annular groove 12′, whilerotation of the camming arms in the opposite direction releases theengagement therebetween. Suitable locking mechanisms may be employed toensure that the camming arms 18 do not accidentally rotate and disengagethe camming members 18′ from engagement within the annular groove 12′.

Prior-art devices currently available provide some security by using theabove-described locking cam-lever arms, thus indirectly providingsecurity between the coupling and its cover or dust cap. Both theexposed lock and the cam lever arms, however, are prone to being cut bythe use of bolt cutters, saws and other such devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the primary objective of the present invention to provide a securityclosure system for a hose connector associated with a storage tank thatis tamper and theft proof.

Toward these and other ends, the security closure system of theinvention comprises a first part that is a terminal male-component thatterminates the hose connector connected to the outlet of a storage tankwhose contents are to be periodically pumped out. The male-component isprovided with an outer, circumferential annual groove for receptiontherein of camming elements of camming arms, and with a terminalprojecting tongue provided with an opening or hole for receiving alocking device, such as a padlock. The male-component is furtherprovided with an enlarged mounting flange for mounting themale-component to a wall of the storage tank or to a bulkhead adjacentthe storage tank. The security closure system also comprises a secondpart, which is a female closure cap that matingly receives therein thefirst male-component. The closure cap has a slot for passingtherethrough the tongue of the first male-component, whereby a padlockor other lock may be used for locking the cap in place over the firstmale-component. The closure cap is also provided with a pair ofparallel, upstanding partitions or walls sandwiching therebetween theprojecting tongue of the first male-component protruding through theslot of the closure cap. These partitions project a sufficient heightabove, and extend a sufficient length along, the protruding tongue so asto prevent access thereto and to the locking device inserted through theopening of the tongue, whereby access thereto is denied and thetampering thereof via saws, and the like, is prevented. The closure capis also, preferably, provided with camming arms with distal cammingelements for reception in the annular groove of the firstmale-component, in the conventional manner, as described hereinabove. Inorder to further ensure a tamper-proof security cap, a loosely-mountedshaft or dowel pin is provided that may be also be freely rotatable in ahole or opening of the cap, whereby if a saw or cutting tool were to tryto cut open the cap, it would engage this freely rotatable bolt orshaft, which would render any cutting by the saw useless.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Reference is had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a prior-art closure cap forclosing off an outlet of a storage tank shown connected to astorage-tank outlet-coupler;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing the first male closurepart of the invention according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 a front view thereof;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the male closure cap of the FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the second part of the invention showingthe female outlet-hose coupler of the invention for mounting the firstmale part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view thereof;

FIGS. 6B and 6C are modification of the coupler of FIG. 5 showingrotatable rods or pins inserted therein for additional preventionagainst tampering with a rotary saw or abrasive cutter.

FIG. 7 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the camming arms associated with the secondfemale part of FIG. 5 for engaging with the annular groove formed in theouter circumference of the first male part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view showing the first male part and secondfemale part with camming arms assembled together for providing atamper-proof, locking cover for an outlet of a storage tank;

FIG. 10 is a front view thereof showing a padlock used for locking theparts together;

FIG. 11 is an elevational cross-sectional view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view showing the first male closure partof the invention according to a second of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 15A is a side view of the second female outlet-hose coupler partaccording to the second embodiment for mounting the first male part ofFIG. 12;

FIGS. 15B-15D show a modification of the coupler of FIG. 12 showingreinoforcing rods or pins inserted therein for additional preventionagainst tampering by a rotary saw or abrasive cutter.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 17 is a partial plan view showing one of the camming armsassociated with the second female outlet-hose coupler part;

FIG. 18 a partial plan view showing the camming arm of FIG. 17 in itsclosed, locking position in an annular groove of the first male part ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is an elevational cross-sectional view showing the first malepart of FIG. 12 mounted to the second female part of FIG. 15 accordingto the second embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the first male closure cap component accordingto a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 23A is an isometric view thereof;

FIGS. 23B-23C show a modification of the coupler of FIG. 21 showingreinforcing rods or pins inserted therein for additional preventionagainst tampering by a rotary saw or abrasive cutter.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the second female coupler-outletcomponent according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a partial side view thereof showing the slot-receptacle forreception of a camming arm;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 27 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 28 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the female coupler-outlet componentaccording to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 31 is an isometric view thereof;

FIG. 32 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 33 is an isometric view showing the coupling of the female and maleparts of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a partial view of the male closure cap component according tothe fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 36 is an end view thereof; and

FIG. 37 is an isometric view thereof; and

FIG. 38A is a top view thereof;

FIGS. 38B-38D show a modification of the coupler of FIG. 34 showingreinforcing rods or pins inserted therein for additional preventionagainst tampering by a rotary saw or abrasive cutter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, there is shown in FIGS.2-11, there is shown a first embodiment of the security closure capdevice of the invention. In the first embodiment, the outlet coupler 20extending from the storage tank (not shown) is a male component as shownin FIGS. 2-4, and is made up of a main male component proper 20′ with anouter circumferential, annular groove 14 for receiving camming membersof camming arms of the mating female closure cap discussed hereinbelow.The male outlet coupler 20 also has an enlarged mounting flange element22 integrally connected at one end of the male coupler proper 20′closest to the storage tank when mounted for use with a storage tank,which male coupler proper also has an internal-thread section 22″,either of flange or pipe male or female threads, at its end adjacent theflange for receiving a hose connection associated with the storage tank.The mounting flange-element 22 is affixed to a wall of the storage tankor to a bulkhead associated with the storage tank for protecting it, bytamper-proof fasteners passing through an array of through-holes 22′.The flange-element 22 is generally circular in cross section except foran eccentric or lobe portion 24 from which outwardly projects a tongueor locking element 24′. The tongue 24′ projects in a direction away fromthe mounting flange element 22 and towards the outward end 20″ of themale coupler 20′. This locking tongue 24′ has a through-hole 26 throughwhich may pass the shaft of a padlock or other similar locking device,for locking together the male and female components of the securityclosure cap device of the invention, as described in detail hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, there is shown the second or female part ofthe security closure cap device of the invention for closing off themale coupler proper 20′ of the first outlet component 20. The femalepart is made up of a closure cap element 30 having a main, femalereceptacle portion 32 which telescopingly receives therein the malecoupler proper 20′. The receptacle portion 32 is provided with a pair ofdiametrically-opposed slots or openings 34 defined between mounting earsor brackets 36 for mounting camming arms 38 (FIG. 8), so that distalcamming members 38′ of the camming members 38 may pass through the slots34 and enter in engagement with the annular groove 14 of the malecoupler component 20′ of the first male component 20 as describedhereinabove. The camming arms and camming members are conventional andoperate in similar manner as in the prior-art devices. Extending fromthe female receptacle portion 32 is a tongue-receiving,protection-portion or socket portion 40 defining a bifurcated section 42having a first arm 40′ and a second, somewhat thicker arm 40″. Thesecond arm 40″ is thicker than the first arm 40′ since it is moredistant from the mounting flange 22 of the first male component when thefirst male component and second female component are secured together,whereby the second, remote arm 40″ is more exposed and susceptible totampering and cutting. The second arm 40″ also projects lower than thefirst arm 40′, again in order to provide a tamper-proof device. Each arm40′, 40″ has a through slot 42′ which passes therethrough the lockingtongue 24′ of the first male component 20. As the locking tongue ispassed therethrough, the through-hole 26 thereof is locatedapproximately midway between the arms 40′, 40″ of the bifurcated section40, so that the shaft of a padlock, or other locking or securing device,may pass. The shaft or bolt of the padlock itself is protected by thearms 40′, 40″ of the projecting bifurcated section 42, so that accessthereto by a saw, bolt cutter, or the like, is prevented, in a mannershown in FIG. 10. The assembled first and second parts of the securityclosure cap device of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9-11. In thisembodiment, there is unrestricted flow of the fluid from the storagetank through the coupler outlet proper 20′. It is noted that theprojecting security tongue 24′ provides a fluid-tight seal within thethrough openings or slots 42′ of the bifurcated arm 40′, 40″, which isof special importance when the stored liquid in the storage tank isvolatile, such as is the case with alcohol or gasoline, where fumes leakout.

Referring to FIGS. 6B and 6C, there is shown a modification of thefemale component. In this modification, each of the arms 40′ and arms40″ of the bifurcated section 42 is provided with at least one drilledhole or passageway in which are mounted reinforcing steel, cut-resistantpins 41′, 41″, respectively. Each pin or rod 41′, 41″ is oriented alongthe height of each respective arm, or as shown in FIG. 6C, verticallytherealong. The pins are held in place by horizontal or transversecross-pins 43′ passing through holes formed in the bottom of each arm40′, 40″, as best seen in FIG. 6C. These hardened steel rods serve toprovide additional or supplemental prevention or resistance to cuttingthrough the arm by a saw or abrasive cutter. Preferable, two such pinsor rods are provided in each arm 40′, 40″, as seen in FIG. 6B, whichrods are laterally and strategically separated to offer the greatestresistance to cutting. Each rod is preferably made of hardened steel. Itis also noted that each arm may also be provided with additional steelpins or rods of larger diameter, as may be required. Moreover, insteadof fixing the rods in place via the spring cross-pins 43′, 43″, each mayadhesively secured in place using well-known, conventional techniques.Alternatively, or in addition to, instead of each pin 41′, 41″ beingfixed in place, each pin may be allowed free or partial rotation withinits hole or passageway, so that, when a rotary saw or abrasive cutterreaches thereat, each pin will rotate along with the cutter, to therebyprevent further cutting through of the arms 40′, 40″. Such rotation isaccommodated by suitably cut horizontal grooves formed in the bottom ofthe rods 41′, 41″, that allow relative rotation between the pins 41′,41″ and the retaining pin 43′, 43″. Alternatively, the retaining pins43′, 43″ may be dispensed with, allowing the pins to freely rotatewithin their holes.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-20, there is shown a second embodiment of theinvention, which also is made up of a first male outlet component and asecond female closure cap component. The first male outlet component 50,best seen in FIGS. 12-14, is made up of an enlarged mounting flangeelement 52 integrally connected at one end of a hollow or tubular malecoupler proper 50′ closest to the storage tank when mounted for use witha storage tank, which male coupler proper also has an internal-threadsection 50″, either of male or female threads, at its end adjacent theflange for receiving a hose connection associated with the storage tank.The mounting flange element 52 is affixed to a wall of the storage tankor to a bulkhead associated with the storage tank for protecting it, bytamper-proof fasteners passing through an array of through-holes 52′.The flange element 52 is completely circular in cross section unlike theflange element 22 of the first embodiment. The male coupler proper 50′has an outer, circumferential, annular groove 54 similar to the groove14 of the first embodiment. The male coupler proper 50′ has a first endface integrally connected to the flange element 52, and a second endface 54′ facing oppositely to that end face to which the flange element52 is connected and from which it extends. The second end face 54′ isprovided with a cross or diametric rib element 56″ from which projectsaxially and centrally therefrom a protruding locking or securing tongueor element 58, which tongue 58 serves the same function as the tongue24′ of the first embodiment. The tongue 58 has a through hole 58′through which passes the bolt or shaft of a locking padlock or othersecuring or locking device.

The second mating part of the second embodiment is best seen in FIGS.15-18, and is made up of a female closure cap element 60 having a main,female receptacle portion 62 which telescopingly receives therein themale coupler proper 54, as best seen in FIG. 19. The receptacle portion62 has an end-surface face 62′ in which is formed a centrally-located,elongated through-slot or opening 64 through which passes the tongue 58of the male coupler component when the first and second parts areconnected together to close off access to the contents of a storagetank. Protruding or extending from the surface face 62′ is a pair ofoppositely-disposed walls or partitions 66, 68 which serve the functionas the arms 40′, 40″ of the first embodiment, which is to prevent accessto the bolt or shaft of the padlock passing through the hole 58′ of thetongue 58, whereby a saw, bolt cutter, or the like, is prevented frombeing used to cut the padlock, whereby separation of the male and femaleparts is substantially prevented. The elongated slot 64 is oriented sothat is extends perpendicularly between the pair of partitions 66, 68,so that to orient the tongue such that axis of the through-hole 58′thereof is parallel with the partitions 66, 68, so that bolt or shaft ofthe locking device may be readily passed through the hole withoutobstruction.

The female receptacle portion 62 is also provided with a pair ofdiametrically-opposed slots or openings defined between mounting arms orbrackets 76 and 78 for mounting camming arms 72, in the same manner asdescribed above with regard to the first embodiment, where distalcamming members 72″ of the camming members 72 pass through the slots andenter in engagement with the annular groove 54 of the male couplercomponent 54 of the first male component 50, as described hereinabove.The camming arms and camming members are conventional and operate insimilar manner as in the prior-art devices. The complete assembly of thefirst and second parts of the security closure cap device of theinvention is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. It is noted that in this secondembodiment, where there is provided a central slot, a gasket or seallines the slot 64 in order to provide a fluid-tight seal.

Referring to FIGS. 15B-15D, there is shown a modification of the femalecomponent of the second embodiment. In this modification, each of thewalls 66, 68 is provided with at least one drilled hole or passageway inwhich are mounted steel, cut-resistant pins 61′, 61″, respectively. Eachpin or rod 61′, 61″ is oriented vertically as shown in FIG. 15B in itsrespective arm. In this form of the modification, no horizontal ortransverse cross-pins are provided, as in the modification of the firstembodiment. Instead, each pin 61′, 61″ is allowed free rotation withinits hole or opening, so that, when a rotary saw or abrasive cutterreaches thereat, each pin will rotate along with the cutter, to therebyprevent further cutting through of the walls 66, 68. Alternatively thehardened steel rods may be fixed in place using retaining pins, in themanner described hereinabove regarding the modification of the firstembodiment. Preferably, two such pins or rods are provided in each wall66,68, as seen in FIG. 15D, which rods are laterally and strategicallyseparated to offer the greatest resistance to cutting. Each rod ispreferably made of steel. It is also noted that each arm may also beprovided with additional steel pins or rods of larger diameter, as maybe required.

Referring now FIGS. 21-28, a third embodiment of the security closurecap device of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, thecoupler-outlet connected to the wall of the storage tank or to a bulkhead is a female component, rather than a male component as in the firstand second embodiments, while the closure cap is the male component.Referring to FIGS. 24-28 for now, the first female coupler-component 80that is directly coupled to the hose-coupler of the storage tank or to abulk head is shown, and consists of a circular-shaped mounting flange 82with a plurality of holes 84 for mounting the flange, and, therefore,the female component 80 to the storage tank or bulkhead, which femalecoupler proper also has internal-thread section 82″, either of male orfemale threads, at its end adjacent the flange for receiving a hoseconnection associated with the storage tank. Projecting outwardly andcentrally from the mounting flange 82 is a female coupler proper 88,which is also circular in cross section. The female coupler proper 88has ears or brackets 90, 92 similar to the ears 36 of the femalecomponent 30 of the first embodiment, with slots 94′ also being providedsimilar to the diametrically-opposed slots or openings 34 definedbetween mounting ears or brackets 90 and 92 for mounting camming arms(not shown for clarity), so that distal camming members of the cammingmembers may pass through the slots and enter in engagement with anannular groove of the second male coupler component of the thirdembodiment described hereinbelow. Projecting and extending internally inthe female coupler proper 88 is an axially-extending locking tongue orshaft 90 having an overall length greater than the axial length of thefemale coupler proper 88 so that distal the end-portion 88′ thereofprojects outwardly of a plane containing therein the annular end-surface90′ of the female component proper.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, there is shown the second male component100 of the third embodiment, which constitutes the security closure capelement. The second male component 100 is made up of a male main portionor coupler proper 102 defining a circumferential annular groove or slot104 for receiving therein the camming members of the camming armsassociated with the first female component 80 described hereinabove, inthe conventional manner. The male component proper 102 defines anend-face or end-surface 106 that faces away from the first femalecomponent 80 when the first and second components are secured together.Formed in this end-surface 106 is an elongated through-slot or opening108 for passing therethrough the protruding distal end-portion 88′ ofthe locking tongue 90 of the first female component proper 88.Upstanding walls or partitions 110, 112, similar to the partitions 66,68 of the second embodiment, are provided in order to prevent access tothe shaft or bolt of a padlock or other securing or locking devicepassing through the through-hole 90″ formed in the distal end-portion ofthe locking tongue 90. The slot 108 extends perpendicular between thetwo partitions or walls 110, 112 in order to allow ease of access forplacing bolt of the padlock through the hole 90″. It is also noted thateach of the walls or partitions 110,112 defines a steppedinterior-facing surface 110′, 112′ so that the lateral distance betweenthe walls increases in a direction away from the end-surface 106, sothat the padlock or securing device whose bolt or shaft passes throughthe through-hole 90″ is amply accommodated. The stepped interior-facingsurface configuration also applies also to the walls 66, 68 of thefemale closure cap element 60 of the second embodiment, as seen in FIG.15.

Referring to FIGS. 23B-23C, there is shown a modification of the malecomponent of the third embodiment. In this modification, the walls aredoubly bifurcated so as to provide a first pair of lateral walls 113 anda second pair of lateral walls 115, in each of which is provided a steelrod or pin 117 in the manner described hereinabove regarding the firstand second embodiments. The pins 117 may be fixed in place and or berotatable in the holes or passageways, as described above. In addition,a second series of pins or rods 121 may also be provided, which are ofgreater diameter than the pins 117. These pins 121, like the pins 117,may be fixed in place or rotatable, as described hereinabove. In apreferred embodiment, the pins or rods 117 are 3/16 inch in diameterwhile the pins 121 are ¼ inch in diameter.

Referring now FIGS. 29-38, there is shown a fourth embodiment of thesecurity closure cap device of the invention. In this embodiment, thecoupler-outlet connected to hose-connector of the storage tank or to abulk head is a female component like the third embodiment, rather than amale component of the first and second embodiments, while the closurecap is the male component. Referring to FIGS. 29-32, the first femalecoupler-component 120 that is directly coupled to the wall of thestorage tank or to a bulk head is shown, and consists of acircular-shaped mounting flange 122 with a plurality of holes 124 formounting the flange, and therefore, the female component 120 to thestorage tank or bulkhead. Projecting outwardly and centrally from themounting flange 122 is a female coupler proper 128, which has maincircular portion and a lower lobe or eccentric section 128′ from whichprojects a locking tongue or element 126 with through hole 126′, whichfemale coupler proper also has internal-thread section 122″, either ofmale or female threads, at its end adjacent the flange for receiving ahose-connection associated with the storage tank. The flange with tongueis similar to those of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. The femalecoupler proper 128 has ears or brackets 130,132 similar to the ears 36of the female component 30 of the first embodiment, with slots alsobeing similar to the diametrically-opposed slots or openings 34 definedbetween mounting ears or brackets 36 of the first embodiment formounting camming arms (not shown for clarity), so that distal cammingmembers of the camming members may pass through the slots and enter inengagement with an annular groove of the second male coupler componentof the fourth embodiment described hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-36, there is shown the second male component140 of the fourth embodiment, which constitutes the security-closure capelement. The second male component 140 is made up of a male main portionor coupler proper 142 defining a circumferential annular groove or slot144 for receiving therein the camming members of the camming armsassociated with the first female component 120 described hereinabove, inthe conventional manner. The male component proper 142 defines anend-face or end-surface 142′ defining the closure cap proper. Projectingdownwardly from the male coupler proper 142 is a tongue-receiving,protection-portion 148 defining a bifurcated section 150 defining afirst arm 152 and a second, somewhat thicker arm 154. The second arm 154is thicker than the first arm 152, since it is the arm more distant fromthe mounting flange 22 of the first female component when the firstfemale component and second male component are secured together, wherebythe second, remote arm 154 is more exposed and susceptible to tamperingand cutting. Each arm 152,154 has a through slot which pass therethroughthe locking tongue 136 of the first female component 120, in a mannersimilar to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-10. As the locking tongue ispassed therethrough, the through-hole 126′ thereof is locatedapproximately midway between the arms 152,154 of the bifurcated section150, so that the shaft of a padlock, or other locking or securingdevice, may pass. The shaft or bolt of the padlock itself is protectedby the arms 152,154 of the projecting bifurcated section 150, so thataccess thereto by a saw, bolt cutter, or the like, is prevented. Theassembled first and second parts of the security closure cap device ofthe invention is shown in FIG. 33, which also shows camming arms 160,162 that function in the conventional manner, and as describedhereinabove with reference to the first embodiment. Thetongue-receiving, protection-portion 148 projects or protrudes axiallyoutwardly as compared with the male main portion or coupler proper 142as seen in FIG. 35, whereby the arm 152 lies in plane spaced from theplane containing therein the end surface face 148′ that lies closest tothe interior face of the mounting flange 122 when the male and femaleparts are connected together, so that the end surface-face 152′ of thetongue-receiving, protection-portion 148 abuts substantially against theinterior surface-face of the flange 122 when the male and female partsare connected in order to provide for additional security.

Referring to FIGS. 38B-38D, there is shown a modification of the malecomponent. In this modification, the arms 152, 154 of the bifurcatedsection 150 is provided with at least one drilled hole or passageway inwhich are mounted steel or cut-resistant pins 151. Each pin is retainedby retaining pins 153, in the manner described hereinabove withreference to the first three embodiments. The variations thereofdescribed hereinabove with regard to the first three embodiments, alsoapply here as well.

In any of the above embodiments, an internal check valve may be used inorder to allow the connector to provide a pressure seal. Due to safetyconsiderations, a “dust cap” or “plug” closure is not permitted forcontaining system pressure. In addition, the coupling and closure deviceof the invention may be made from any of the materials typicallyutilized for standard cam-and-groove couplings; however, ductile iron,brass or stainless steel are the preferred materials. Conventionalbarbed hose connection, weld connection, or tube connection may be used.The hoses used for connection are typically of a diameter between oneinch and twelve inches, although it is possible to use the system withhoses of greater diameter. The security system of the invention may beused on all types of storage tanks that store liquid fats, grease, gas,alcohol, as well as many other liquids.

It is also noted that while the above-described embodiments have beenshown to include conventional camming arms with distal camming membersfor reception in an annular groove of the male coupler component, inorder that a part of the security system of the invention includes theconventional cam and groove hose coupling of the prior art, the cammingarms with camming members of the security system of the invention may bedispensed with entirely.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that numerous changes andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A security closure-cap device for closing off theoutlet connection of a storage tank storing fluid therein, the storagetank being provided with an outlet, comprising: a first outlet componentconnectable to an outlet connection of a storage tank; a secondclosure-cap component connectable to said first outlet component; saidfirst outlet component comprising a main body portion having first enddefining a connecting section for connection to the outlet connection ofa storage tank, and a second end distal from the first end, a mountingflange at said first end for mounting said first outlet component to awall, and a projecting securing element defining a first end and asecond end, and having a through-opening formed therein; said secondclosure-cap component comprising a substantially hollow-interior mainbody section for cooperating with said main body portion of said firstoutlet component; said main body section comprising a first open endleading to said hollow interior and a second substantially closed endfor forming a closure cap proper, and a securing-element receivingportion through which passes a portion of said projecting securingelement; said second closure-cap component further comprising abifurcated partition element defining a pair of walls between whichwalls extends said portion of said projecting securing element, withsaid through-opening thereof being located between said pair of walls,whereby a locking device having a shaft may pass through saidthrough-opening, with said pair of walls preventing access to the shaftof the locking device by a cutting instrument; each said wall having atleast one elongated passageway formed therein; at least one reinforcingpin positioned in a said at least one passageway of each of said pair ofwalls of said bifurcated partition element, whereby, when said first andsecond components are connected together to close off the outlet of astorage tank, the locking device securing together said first and secondcomponents is substantially tamper-proof.
 2. The security closure-capdevice for closing off the outlet connection of a storage tank storingfluid therein according to claim 1, wherein said first component is amale component, and said second component is a female component; saidsecuring element being a tongue projecting from a peripheral portion ofsaid mounting flange; said bifurcated partition element of said secondcomponent extending from said main body section in a direction towardsaid peripheral portion of said mounting flange when said first andsecond components are connected together; said securing-elementreceiving portion through which passes a portion of said projectingsecuring element comprising aligned through-slots formed in saidbifurcated walls of said bifurcated partition element.
 3. The securityclosure-cap device for closing off the outlet connection of a storagetank storing fluid therein according to claim 2, wherein said bifurcatedwalls comprise a first wall closest to said flange element when saidfirst and second components are connected together, and a second walldistant therefrom and being of greater thickness than said first wall;said second wall projecting from said bifurcated partition element agreater distance than said first arm in order to provide a greaterdegree of tamper-proof security.
 4. The security closure-cap device forclosing off the outlet connection of a storage tank storing fluidtherein according to claim 1, wherein said first component is a malecomponent, and said second component is a female component; saidsecuring element being a tongue projecting axially centrally from saidsecond end of said main body portion; said bifurcated partition elementof said second component extending substantially axially from saidsecond substantially closed end of said main body section; saidsecuring-element receiving portion through which passes a portion ofsaid projecting securing element comprising a through-slot formed insaid second substantially closed end of said main body section.
 5. Thesecurity closure-cap device for closing off the outlet connection of astorage tank storing fluid therein according to claim 4, wherein eachsaid wall of said bifurcated partition section comprises a steppedsection so that the distance between said walls at a distance removedfrom said second substantially closed end of said main body section isgreater than the distance therebetween at a distance closer to saidsecond substantially closed end of said main body section, in order tobetter accommodate a locking element.
 6. The security closure-cap devicefor closing off the outlet connection of a storage tank storing fluidtherein according to claim 1, wherein said first component is a malecomponent, and said second component is a female component; said malecomponent comprising an annular groove, and said female componentcomprising camming arms having distal camming members for reception insaid annular groove for securing said first and second componentstogether.
 7. The security closure-cap device for closing off the outletconnection of a storage tank storing fluid therein according to claim 1,wherein said first component is a female component, and said secondcomponent is a male component; said securing element being a tongueprojecting from a peripheral portion of said mounting flange; saidbifurcated partition element of said second component extending fromsaid main body section in a direction toward said peripheral portion ofsaid mounting flange when said first and second components are connectedtogether; said securing-element receiving portion through which passes aportion of said projecting securing element comprising alignedthrough-slots formed in said bifurcated walls of said bifurcatedpartition element.
 8. The security closure-cap device for closing offthe outlet connection of a storage tank storing fluid therein accordingto claim 7, wherein said bifurcated walls comprise a first wall closestto said flange element when said first and second components areconnected together, and a second wall distant therefrom and being ofgreater thickness than said first arm; said second wall projecting fromsaid bifurcated partition element a greater distance than said firstwall in order to provide a greater degree of tamper-proof security. 9.The security closure-cap device for closing off the outlet connection ofa storage tank storing fluid therein according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst component is a female component, and said second component is amale component; said securing element being a tongue projecting axiallycentrally from said first end of said main body portion and through thehollow interior of said main body portion; said bifurcated partitionelement of said second component extending substantially axially fromsaid second substantially closed end of said main body section; saidsecuring-element receiving portion through which passes a portion ofsaid projecting securing element comprising a through-slot formed insaid second substantially closed end of said main body section.
 10. Thesecurity closure-cap device for closing off the outlet connection of astorage tank storing fluid therein according to claim 9, wherein eachsaid wall of said bifurcated partition section comprises a steppedsection so that the distance between said walls at a distance removedfrom said second substantially closed end of said main body section isgreater than the distance therebetween at a distance closer to saidsecond substantially closed end of said main body section, in order tobetter accommodate a locking element.
 11. The security closure-capdevice for closing off the outlet connection of a storage tank storingfluid therein according to claim 1, wherein said first component is afemale component, and said second component is a male component; saidmale component comprising an annular groove, and said female componentcomprising camming arms having distal camming members for reception insaid annular groove for securing said first and second componentstogether.
 12. The security closure-cap device for closing off the outletconnection of a storage tank storing fluid therein according to claim 1,wherein each said at least one reinforcing pin comprises an at leastpartially rotatable pin mounted in a said respective at least oneelongated passageway.
 13. The security closure-cap device for closingoff the outlet connection of a storage tank storing fluid thereinaccording to claim 12, wherein each said wall comprises two spaced-apartsaid elongated passageways, and two at least partially rotatable pinsmounted in said two elongated passageways.
 14. The security closure-capdevice for closing off the outlet connection of a storage tank storingfluid therein according to claim 1, wherein each said wall comprises twospaced-apart said elongated passageways, and two said reinforcing pinsmounted in said two elongated passageways.
 15. The security closure-capdevice for closing off the outlet connection of a storage tank storingfluid therein according to claim 1, further comprising at least oneretaining member for each said wall for mounting each respective saidreinforcing pin in a respective said elongated passageway.
 16. In asecurity closure-cap device for closing off the outlet connection of astorage tank storing fluid therein, the storage tank being provided withan outlet, comprising: a closure-cap component comprising asubstantially hollow-interior main body section; said main body sectioncomprising a first open end leading to said hollow interior and a secondsubstantially closed end for forming a closure cap proper, and asecuring-element receiving portion through which passes a portion of aprojecting securing element; said second closure-cap component furthercomprising a bifurcated partition element defining a pair of walls; eachsaid wall having at least one passageway formed therein; at least onereinforcing pin positioned in a said at least one passageway of each ofsaid pair of walls of said bifurcated partition element, whereby, whensaid first and second components are connected together to close off theoutlet of a storage tank, the locking device securing together saidfirst and second components is substantially tamper-proof; each saidwall of said bifurcated partition section comprising a stepped sectionso that the distance between said walls at a distance removed from saidsecond substantially closed end of said main body section is greaterthan the distance therebetween at a distance closer to said secondsubstantially closed end of said main body section, in order to betteraccommodate a locking element.
 17. The security closure-cap device forclosing off the outlet connection of a storage tank storing fluidtherein according to claim 16, wherein each said at least onereinforcing pin comprises an at least partially rotatable pin mounted ina respective said at least one elongated passageway.
 18. The securityclosure-cap device for closing off the outlet connection of a storagetank storing fluid therein according to claim 16, wherein each said wallcomprises two spaced-apart said elongated passageways, and two saidreinforcing pins mounted in said two elongated passageways.
 19. Thesecurity closure-cap device for closing off the outlet connection of astorage tank storing fluid therein according to claim 16, furthercomprising at least one retaining member for each said wall for mountingeach respective said reinforcing pin in a respective said elongatedpassageway.